Director - DORSC and Marine Services

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

Our Above Water Systems team provides engineering & maintenance services to Royal Australian Navy vessels and commercial ships. We’re proud to bolster Australia’s sovereign capability through operational support to our defence partners. With ongoing training programs and a team of over 500, our people have room to grow and develop an impactful career with us.

In this exciting role, The DORSC and Marine Services Director will lead the delivery of nominated programs and provide support across the business to secure AWS strategic outcomes. 

As a key member of the AWS Leadership Team, this role will develop leadership capability, drive cultural change, and operationalise the AWS strategy.

Located centrally in Woolloomooloo's Garden Island, on Gadigal land your role purpose will be -

Your Role

• Lead a strategically significant maritime portfolio, aligning resources, capability and investment to deliver business growth and operational excellence.

• Shape and secure major maritime opportunities that strengthen market position, expand customer value and drive sustainable growth.

• Deliver outstanding portfolio performance across financial, operational and customer measures, balancing growth, profitability and delivery confidence.

• Build trusted executive relationships with customers and key stakeholders, proactively managing complex issues and strategic priorities.

•  Foster a high-performance culture of governance, innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring successful delivery and long-term business success.

• Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Your Experience

• Accomplished executive leader with experience driving commercial performance, operational excellence and large-scale transformation.

• Proven ability to influence at the executive level and lead across complex stakeholder groups in matrixed organisations.

• Defence, maritime sustainment, naval, ship repair or asset-intensive industry experience is highly desirable.

• Strong financial, commercial and customer leadership capability, with a focus on sustainable growth and business performance.

• Project management accreditation (IPMA, PMBOK, PRINCE2 or equivalent) preferred.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Engineering, Project Management or a related field.

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

A Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role.

The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

We Encourage You To Apply

After you have applied, you will receive an email acknowledging your application. We’ll then provide a personalised experience for suitable applicants as we progress the selection and assessment process. Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and depending on the role type, medical checks as well.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.